Today's tech news roundup looks at the Karma hotspot, which rewards owners with free data for sharing access with others. Karma gives 100 megabytes of data for every person who taps into the network, plus the owner gets another 100 megabytes that do not expire. Adding more data costs $14 for 1 gigabyte. Frequent travelers might find Karma appealing. FreedomPop is offering a similar concept for home broadband, giving free data every month and adding more to those that recommend friends.

Another startup wants to change how we watch broadcast television. Aereo provides streaming live TV and the ability to DVR shows from the Internet for $8 a month. Though network operators are suing Aereo, the startup added its first cable station, Bloomberg TV. Only New Yorkers can subscribe to Aereo now, but the service plans to expand to 15 other cities by early next year.

And if you're in a pinch to get a gift quickly this holiday, iOS 6 users can now gift an app right from the App Store. Android users can't give a specific app to someone, but there are Google Play gift cards. And if someone has a Kindle or Nook, there's also the option to give an e-book.

This is the last episode of CNET Update for the year. The show will return Jan. 2, 2013 as we gear up for the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Until then, may your holidays be free of glitches and awkward social media moments. See you in 2013.

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About the author

Bridget Carey is writer and host of CNET Update, a daily tech news show. She's now in New York, but she started in Miami, covering tech trends, reviewing gadgets and authoring the nation's first social media etiquette column. Why journalism? She was born 150 years too early to join Starfleet.
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